Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Spirit of the blue-eyed Wolf ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

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Spirit of the Blue-Eyed Wolf

Chapter 5

Wufei woke when the first rays of the rising sun tickled his face. After parting from Treize the young monk had traveled a couple more miles along the country road before settling down near a small spring. He had only slept for a few hours and his rest had been anything but peaceful. His dreams had been filled with images of blood, violence and dead wolves.

He was not sure if it was the morning chill or the memory of those dreams that sent a shiver down his spine. Pulling his blanket tighter around his shoulders the young man sat up, his face serious and pensive. Someone once had told him to be mindful of his dreams for they could be revelations of events still to come. But what trouble him was that there was no way to tell when a dream was just a dream and when it was a vision.

When his empty stomach started to growl Wufei reached for his pack. He pulled out the food bundle that Trowa had prepared for him and untied it. As he slowly started to eat he pondered about all the things that had happened over the past two days. What actually were those wolves? Was it possible for a demon to completely conceal its aura? He didn't think so. And he had never heard about any incidents where someone's spirit had been sealed inside an animal, let alone into two.

The young man sighed, and for the first time he wished that he was back at the temple where he could talk to his teacher or the high priest about these things and ask them for advice. As Wufei retied the bundle his eyes caught the small crest of Wolfstein castle embroidered into one of the corners of the blue and white cloth. Recalling his strange nightmare he paused for an instant. I hope everybody there is alright.

He reached for his staff and rose to his feet. Ahead of him, as far as the eye could see, was nothing but dusty road and grassland. He recalled that Treize had mentioned that it was about a day or two to Tonisburg. It was still early in the morning, so maybe he could make it there by nightfall.

#####

Slowly regaining his senses Miri stirred. A heavy chain rattled quietly as he raised his head. Where am I?

The ground beneath him was moving. He could hear the squeaking of wooden wheels along with the sounds of hoofs pounding dirt. Putting everything together he realized that he was traveling on some kind of cart or wagon. And then there were people talking. He could make out the voices of two men.

A low growl formed in his throat as he started to recall what had happened. The traps in the woods…the blood… the last thing he remembered was running away after being shot with an arrow. Then he must have lost consciousness.

How much time had passed? He couldn't be sure. His hind leg still hurt. It was a dull throbbing, nothing he couldn't deal with. Although it was dark around him he was sure that it was daytime already. Why haven't I changed back into my human form?

As the large silver wolf tried to sit up he felt something around it neck. A collar! Someone must have put it on him while he was asleep. As he turned his head and examined his surroundings he realized that he was chained to something. In addition he was trapped in what looked like a large crate or box made of solid wood on 5 sides and iron bars in the front.

Miri's ears perked up as he heard a noise. Someone or something was moving closer. A sudden burst of sunlight flooded his `prison' as the black tarp that was covering the crate was lifted at one corner. The face of a man with short brown hair and cruel dark eyes appeared behind the heavy iron bars.

With an angry growl the silver wolf tried to attack. But the chain connected to his collar was too short for him to actually reach the bars no matter how hard he tried. The man snorted.

“You are feisty, aren't you? But not very smart. I was going to feed you, you know. But now you can wait. Maybe an empty stomach will make you a little more submissive.”

Baring his impressive fangs Miri snarled at the man. His ears were erected and his fur bristled as he crouched down into an offensive position. The hunter didn't seem too impressed with the display. He simply gave an amused huff.

“I'm not sure why someone wants to keep you alive anyway. If it was up to me you would be a nice, warm rug by now.”

Bastard! Furiously the wolf leaped forward again, only to be jerked back by the taut chain and land on his back with a thud and a painful yelp.

“Leave him alone, Mueller,” the other man, outside of Miri's line of view, demanded. “If he hurts himself we might not get paid.”

“Don't worry, he is a tough guy.” Mueller replied nonchalantly. Nevertheless he lowered the tarp and moved away.

Surrounded by darkness again, Miri curled up in the furthest corner of his crate. The hunter's words were still ringing in his ears. If he hurts himself we might not get paid…So, someone hired them to capture me. But who, he wondered.

#####

Trowa was on his feet as soon as he heard the door to the basement open with a creak. Earlier that morning, shortly after sunrise, Leo had returned to the castle without his rider. After taking care of the steed Trowa had finished his work around the house and since then he had been waiting anxiously for his masters' return.

Moments later the large red wolf walked, no staggered, into the main hall. He headed toward the fireplace and collapsed onto the bedstead of blankets and furs.

“Master?” The young man asked quietly.

The wolf didn't even raise his head. I could not find him.

His voice resonated in Trowa's mind. “Is he…still alive?”

Yes, I can feel that much.

“Then we will find him.” Trowa wasn't sure how he managed to sound so confident.

Thank you! Exhausted the animal closed its eyes.

Trowa stood for a brief moment watching him then left to fetch a warm blanket. He covered the wolf, before piling more wood into the fire. He realized that his Lordship would probably be more comfortable in his bedroom, but there was no way that he could carry the animal upstairs. So he would have to stay and rest here, at least until sundown.”

#####

“This is the one you were talking about, isn't it?” Alex pulled back a corner of the tarp to reveal the large silver wolf inside the crate.

The woman, who was calling herself `Lady Une', threw one look at the animal then nodded. The two hunters had met up with her in Brooksfield, behind the same tavern where they first had met and talked about their arrangement.

“That's him,” she confirmed. “You didn't harm him, I hope.”

The dark-haired hunter huffed. “Not more than necessary.”

Une shot him a displeased glare. “I thought I'd made it clear…”

“There was no other way.” Mueller told her. “Otherwise he would have gotten away. It's only a scratch that will heal in no time.”

“Very well, here is the rest of your pay.” She pulled out a leather pouch and handed it to the young man. “You will find that I added an extra 100 gold pieces. That should be more than enough to cover the wagon and horse.”

Mueller nodded. “Consider them yours.”

“I might contact you with another job in the near future. Until then I want you to forget my name and that we have ever met.”

The hunter smirked as he replied. “I have already forgotten all about it. And my partner here never had much of a long time memory anyway.” And with a little bow he added: “It's been a pleasure doing business with you, my lady.”

“Leave me now,” she ordered. “Inside the tavern; the woman that came with me, tell her that I want to see her.”

“Who does she think she is?” Alex growled as the two hunters walked away.

“Someone with a lot of money,” his partner replied with a smirk. He threw the money bag into the air and caught it again with one hand. The horse and wagon they just had told wasn't worth half of what they had been paid for it.

#

Once she was sure the two men were out of earshot Une stepped closer to the wagon. Inside the crate, the caged wolf growled and bared his fangs.

“You know who I am, don't you?” she asked. “And I know that you can hear and understand me. You are probably wondering right now why you have not changed back into your human form at sunrise. You must know; the collar you are wearing is infused with powerful magic. It's best if you are not trying to fight it and just submit.” She paused for a moment then looked up. “I'm sorry that I have to do this. But you have got to understand; in this world there is only one person who I love and admire, and you are the reason that I've lost him. I have nothing against you personally, but I'll do anything, and I mean anything to get him back.”

The silver wolf had stopped growling. His head slightly cocked to the right he seemed almost surprised as he looked at her.

“For now…” Une pulled out something that looked like a polished marble ball, about the size of a large gold coin. “I think it is best if you sleep for a while longer.”

She raised her hand, pointing it toward the wolf, and the ball suddenly started to glow. “Spirits if the earth and heavens let him rest peacefully.”

As the light became more vibrant the animal's head started to droop. He crumbled to the floor. Heavy eyelids closed slowly as he fell asleep.

“You asked to see me, Captain?!”

Une slipped the magic charm back into a pouch on her belt as she turned. “Come closer, Commander Noin.”

The young dark-haired woman complied.

“This…” The captain gestured at a large wooden box that was, secured with heavy ropes, sitting on the back of a wagon. “…is a present for Lord Cartorcè.”

When she was close enough, Noin recognized a wolf inside the box. The animal wasn't moving, but she could tell that it was alive from the way its chest was rising and falling with every breath.

“From this moment on until we arrive at his lordship's castle you will be taking care of him, Commander. He is a very rare and precious animal. If anything happens to him I'll be holding you personally responsible. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Captain.” Noin nodded sharply.

“Stay with him until I return. We will be leaving soon.”

As Une headed back to the tavern to gather the rest of the team, the commander took a closer look at the sleeping wolf. He is beautiful, she thought. So this is what it is all about? The captain had been rather tight lipped about their objective when she ordered her to put together a team of six well-trained guards. Even after they left the `Palace of Wisdom' three days ago, she had never told them were they were going. But then again, she was the Captain. It wasn't as though she had to explain herself to her superiors.

A gift for Lord Cartorcè, hmmm… His Lordship was a very rich and powerful man. It wasn't unusual for the wealthy, who already had everything, to surround themselves with rare and exotic things.

But why would Captain Une make such a valuable gift to Lord Cartorcè? Could it be that... Noin smirked, the captain fancies his Lordship? I can't say I blame her. From what I have heard he is quite dashing and charming. So, beneath that icy exterior she is just a woman after all.

#####

So this is Tonisburg? Wufei was impressed. Like Treize had told him, the town was large; much larger than any village or town he had ever been to, except of course for the time when he was visiting the royal city. The houses were larger, some up to three stories high, the streets wider and more inviting than in most towns.

Wufei had been lucky to have arrived at Tonisburg just before sunset. The guards, who had seen him coming, had waited for the monk before closing the gates for the night.

Although it was already dark now, many shops were still open and vendors were still selling their goods in the streets. Wufei spent a long time strolling through the merchant's district, looking at all the goods that were offered. It seemed that one could buy anything and everything; from fresh fruits and vegetables to fine jewelry and expensive clothing. A mouth-watering smell of freshly cooked food was hanging in the air, making the young monk hungry. So he stopped and bought a piece of fresh flat bread filled with minced meat and vegetables from a street vendor at a corner. It was delicious and filled him up quite nicely. But when he had finished eating Wufei suddenly realized how tired he was; which was not really surprising considering that he had been wandering for most of the day.

I guess it's time to find a place for the night, he thought. I can always come back tomorrow. This looks like a nice place. If I can find work I might just stay here for a while.

While he strolled through the streets Wufei had passed by several inns and taverns, but all of them seemed too fancy and expensive for someone like him. So, he decided to head for the outskirts of town where lodging was usually more affordable. He had not walked very far when he suddenly heard a muffled cry and a woman's call for help. The young monk did not hesitate but ran into the direction the scream had come from. Before too long he found himself in a small dark alley between two large houses. His brows narrowed in anger as he saw three men who had cornered a young woman and were obviously threatening her.

“Hey!” he called out. “It seems the lady doesn't enjoy your presence, so I suggest you leave?”

“Huh?” the three turned toward him. They could not have looked more surprised if he had suddenly grown two heads.

“This is none of your concerns, monk,” one of them finally growled. “Why don't you just turn around and walk away.”

“I'm afraid I can't do that.” Wufei replied calmly.

“Listen, monk. We are just about to have some fun here. You better leave now or we will make you regret to have ever poked your nose in other people's business.”

Wufei's eyes darkened. “We'll see about that.” He dropped his pack and his staff; confident that he wasn't going to need it. As he expected the thugs had no intention of fighting honorably. Two of them attacked at once. With his gaze slightly dropped and his muscles tense the young monk waited for them to come close. He greeted the first attacker with a jump kick. His foot hit the man square in the chest, sending him flying and gasping for air. As he landed gracefully, Wufei's thrust his right arm forward. He could feel cartilage crush when the palm of his hand made contact with his opponents face. Crying out in pain the man dropped to his knees and covered his broken nose with his hands.

The third brute was ready to attack Wufei with a solid piece of wood he had picked up from the ground, but his courage quickly faded once he saw his partners sprawled on the floor bruised and bleeding. He dropped his weapon, turned and ran, never even looking back.

The young monk gave a contemptuous huff. Scum, he thought. All bark but no bite. As the two men scrambled to their feet and scurried off, he walked over to the woman who had been watching the fight anxiously. She was very young and pretty. The dress she was wearing was elegant, and her beautiful, long hair was decorated with two golden combs.

“Are you hurt, my lady?”

She shook her head. “I'm fine, thanks to you. You are amazing. I have never seen anyone fight like that.”

“It was nothing,” Wufei replied modestly. “What did those thugs want; did they try to rob you?”

“I don't think it was money they were after.”

His eyes darkened as he realized what she was implying, and he suddenly felt that the men had gotten off way too easy. “What's a young woman like you doing out in the streets by yourself at this late hour anyway?” he wanted to know.

“I was on my way to meet someone, but I think right now I'm too shook up.” She gave Wufei a soft smile. “Would you mind escorting me back to the `White Lotus'?”

“The White Lotus?” he echoed, somewhat puzzled.

“The place where I work,” she explained. “It's not far from here; only a few streets down. I promise I won't take much of your time. I'd just like to thank you properly. ”

“That's really not necessary.”

“But I insist.”

Wufei sighed and he walked over to where he had dropped his belongings. “Very well then.” It was probably best if she didn't walk alone anyway. There was always a chance that those men were still around somewhere.

“Shall we go then?” she asked. “By the way, my name is Alia.”

He gave her a polite nod. “I'm Wufei, Chang Wufei.”

The young monk kept his eyes open as he and Alia left the back alley and walked back onto more populated streets. The `White Lotus' turned out to be a large and elegant inn, or so Wufei assumed. A beautiful white lotus flower was carved into the wood directly above the entrance. It sparkled in the light of a pair of red lanterns.

Two women, sitting and talking at a small wrought iron table in front of the inn, waved at Alia. “Who is you new friend, Alia; won't you introduce us?”

“Not now; I'll tell you later,” she answered cheerfully as she ushered Wufei inside.

The young man tried to protest, telling her that he really should be on his way, but she was quite insisting. She led him into what looked like a small, private tearoom and asked him to wait for a moment.

With a sigh of defeat Wufei looked around the room. The walls were covered in fine silk tapestries and the furniture made of dark, carved wood. All through the room, on pillows and paintings, he could see pure white lotus flowers. The rugs covering the floor looked so expensive that he was almost afraid to set foot onto them.

I bet you have to be very wealthy to afford staying at a place like this, he thought.

#####

“Master Treize?!” It was soon after sundown that Trowa knocked at the door to his Lordships quarters.

“Come in.”

Carefully balancing the tray he was carrying with one hand, the young man opened the door. He was somewhat surprised to find his master already out of bed and fully dressed, sitting over what looked like very old scrolls.

“What are you doing up already? After being on your feet most of the day and the night before you should still be resting.”

Treize looked up. “I don't have time to rest right now; not while Milliardo is in danger.”

“But…” Trowa protested. “You are not going to be able to help him if you wear yourself out.”

The older man smiled softly. “I appreciate your concern, Trowa. But I assure you I'm fine.”

“I brought you, something to eat; at least sit down and have a proper meal, Master Treize.”

“I will, as soon as I'm finished reading this.” Treize promised.

Trowa set the tray with the food down on the table by the window, then paused and turned his head. “Umm…”

“Yes?”

“What happened to Master Milliardo?”

“I'm not sure yet myself,” the other man admitted. “I discovered some traps set up by those hunters but they had not been sprung. Nearby I also found his blood; not much, but enough to follow the scent. His tracks ended suddenly. There were fresh hoof marks and the imprints of wagon wheels on the ground, which leads me to assume that he had been taken away on some kind of carriage or wagon. I continued to follow his scent for a while, but they seemed to be traveling at great speed and as the distance between us grew larger I eventually lost the trail.”

“But you are sure he is still alive?”

Treize nodded. “Yes, I'm sure. I don't think they were intending to kill him but instead capture him alive. But why, and on whose orders I'm not sure about…yet.” Treize's eyes narrowed, his voice was firm and determined as he added. “But I won't rest until I do, and Milliardo returned home safely.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Yes, you can get Epyon ready for me. I'll be leaving soon. I'm not sure when I'm to return.”

“Sir, it's dangerous to be out there by yourself during the day,” Trowa pointed out. “Take me with you, please.”

Treize shook his head. “Someone needs to stay behind and mind the castle. Don't worry about me, I'll stay out of sight during the day and do most of my traveling at night. Besides, if things work out the way I hope I won't be alone for long.”

#####

Wufei was beginning to wonder if it would be best for him to just leave when Alia finally returned.

“I'm sorry about the wait,” she apologized. “I talked to Madame Hawara, she would like to meet you.”

“Madame Hawara?” he asked slightly puzzled.

The young woman nodded, “The White Lotus's owner.”

“A woman?” His voice sounded even more surprised now. “This place is owned and run by a woman?”

“But of course.” Alia covered her mouth as she chuckled. “What did you expect? Shall we go?”

Wufei was still frowning even as he followed her. She led the way into the back of the inn and up a beautifully carved staircase. Moment later she knocked at a door.

“It's Alia, Madame. May we come in?”

“Yes, please.”

Madame Hawara was a lady in the prime of her life. One look at her was enough to see that she had led a very privileged life. Her skin was blemish free and almost pale; her soft hands had clearly never done any physical labor. She was tall and slender. Her dark eyes matched the color of her skillfully styled hair. She was wearing a colorful silk dress, and her jewelry was probably worth enough to feed a small village for a week.

Sitting on an elegant divan she motioned for them to step closer. “So, you must be Chang Wufei?!” her voice was surprisingly deep and husky for a woman.

“Yes, my Lady,” he confirmed with a polite bow.

“Alia dear, bring us some tea please.”

“Yes Madame, right away.”

As the young woman left, Madame Hawara gestured at the chair across from her. “Have a seat. Alia told me that you protected her from a group of thugs. Please accept my gratitude. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to any of my girls.”

“It was nothing. I only did what any man of honor would have done.”

“Oh, what a modest young man. I like that. Alia says you are a traveling monk.”

“That's right, my lady.” Wufei confirmed as he shifted somewhat uncomfortable on the elegant chair. “But I came into town to find some work and a place to stay for a while.”

“I see.”

A knock at the door interrupted them. Alia walked in with a tray. She set two cups down on the low table, poured the tea and retreated quietly.

Madame Hawara reached for her cup, raised it to her lips and gazed at Wufei from over the rim. “Did you have any luck; finding work and a place to stay that is?” she asked before taking the first sip.

The young man shook his head. “No, not yet. I only arrived in town this evening. I didn't really have time to look around yet.”

“How about staying here?”

“Oh, no!” Wufei raised his hands. “I could not possible afford…”

“You misunderstood me, dear.” She smiled softly. “I'm asking if you would like to work for me.”

“Work?!” He blinked in surprise. “Do you have problems with demons?”

Madame Hawara chuckled as she set down her tea cup. “The only demons that trouble me are of the two-legged human kind; those who can't keep their hands off my girls.” At Wufei's still somewhat puzzled look she added: “You see, most of the time my clients come to the White Lotus to meet the girls. But there are a few patrons who have reasons not to be seen at a place like this and rather be entertained at their own home. You could say what I'm looking for is some kind of bodyguard who escorts the girls to their client's houses and back.”

Clients…meet the girls…entertained at their own home… Wufei swallowed as he suddenly realized what she was talking about. “This…is a brothel!” he blurted out before he even knew it. But the moment the words had left his lips he realized how rude it must have sounded.

Madame Hawara however didn't seem offended at all. Instead she burst out into amused laughter. “You really are cute. What did you think this place was?”

“Well, I… I'm not sure” the young man flushed slightly.

“But anyway dear, what about my offer? During the day you can go and do whatever you like. But after we open you would have you to be in the house, in case I need you to escort a girl. In exchange I'll offer you free room and board.”

“I have to admit the offer is tempting, but I'm not really sure about it. In fact I don't even know how long I'll stay in town.”

“That's alright; I don't need an answer on the spot. You can stay here for the night and think about it. I'll have Alia show you to your room. But first enjoy your tea.”

“Thank you.” Wufei nodded and reached for his cup.

“One more thing, though. The girls are off limit to anyone but paying customer.” She looked at him with a tiny smile. “But with you being a monk I suppose that's something I won't have to worry about.”

“Of course not.” Wufei could feel his cheeks burn and he quickly dropped his gaze and stared into his teacup. What, in the name of the ancestors, have I gotten myself into?

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T.B.C.

 

Author's Note: